Oct, 26
2022
Free News Articles, Latino Interests, Religion and Churches

Church of Scientology Celebrates Latin Culture and Women’s Empowerment

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. -- The vibrant strains of Latin Music filled East Hollywood when the Church of Scientology Los Angeles hosted the Miss Hispanidad Festival. It was held during National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15), set aside to honor the history, culture and contribution of those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. Miss Hispanidad Festival promotes women's empowerment and celebrates the Latin culture of the Americas.

The annual event, produced by Miss XV magazine, included traditional music, dance, and costumes celebrating unique cultures of the Americas.

South America was represented by the culture of Peru, Central America by Costa Rica, North America by Mexico, and the Caribbean by the Dominican Republic.

With their commitment to promoting and defending the human rights of all Angelenos, L.A. Scientologists believe in the importance of preserving and honoring the languages, traditions and heritage of the many cultures that call Los Angeles home. There are nearly 5 million Hispanics and Latinx men, women and children in Los Angeles County. They each have the right, as stated in Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to freely "participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits."

The Church of Scientology Los Angeles partners with Hispanic and Latinx organizations to provide resources to celebrate and keep these unique and diverse cultures alive. According to UNESCO, there are over 7,000 languages spoken globally, of which nearly 6,700 are indigenous languages. Some 40 percent of these are at risk of disappearing, and, with the loss of these languages, a unique piece of humankind's history will also be lost.

The Church of Scientology Los Angeles is designed to provide ideal facilities for Scientologists on their ascent to higher states of spiritual freedom and to serve as a home for the entire community -- a meeting ground of cooperative effort to uplift people of all denominations. It was dedicated by Scientology ecclesiastical leader Mr. David Miscavige in 2010.

The Church of Scientology Los Angeles is featured in an episode of Inside Scientology on the Scientology Network, available on DIRECTV channel 320 and streaming at Scientology.tv, through mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

For more information, visit the website of the Church of Scientology Los Angeles or the new interactive timeline on Scientology.org.

The Scientology religion was founded by author and philosopher L. Ron Hubbard. The first Church of Scientology was formed in Los Angeles in 1954 and the religion has expanded to more than 11,000 Churches, Missions and affiliated groups, with millions of members in 167 countries.

LEARN MORE:

https://www.scientology.org/our-help-is-yours/

https://www.scientology-losangeles.org

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/B0xMnowNCYo

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

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Nov, 08
2021
Business, Free News Articles, Latino Interests, Product Launches, Software

SimpleNexus helps lenders better serve Spanish-speaking borrowers with launch of Nexus Bilingual

LEHI, Utah -- SimpleNexus (https://simplenexus.com/), developer of the leading homeownership platform for loan officers, borrowers, real estate agents and settlement agents, today announced the release of Nexus Bilingual(tm), a new feature that makes the loan process more accessible to prospective homebuyers who prefer to communicate in Spanish by gathering initial loan information in Spanish.

According to the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) 2019 report on Hispanic Lending, more than 470,000 Hispanic people became homeowners in 2019. Nexus Bilingual helps lenders better serve America's expanding Hispanic homebuyer market with tools that generate borrower confidence and help overcome language barriers. While not a full loan application, Nexus Bilingual makes kickstarting the loan process more accessible to prospective homebuyers by providing them with a Spanish-language purchase or refinance loan inquiry form option.

"At SimpleNexus, we believe the homeownership dream should be more accessible to everyone," said SimpleNexus Founder Matt Hansen. "Nexus Bilingual has been a high-priority project of our newly formed skunkworks team and is based on direct market input. It's been personally satisfying to lead the development of a feature that now enables our lender partners to overcome language barriers, increase user confidence and connect with Spanish-speaking borrowers as they embark on the homeownership journey."

A convenient desktop and mobile-responsive experience, Nexus Bilingual enables prospective borrowers to initiate purchase and refinance mortgage loan inquiries in Spanish. When prospective borrowers submit a Spanish-language loan inquiry, Nexus Bilingual informs them that a member of their lender's Spanish-speaking staff will reach out to help them complete the process in English and educate them on next steps.

For more information about the Nexus Bilingual functionality, contact sales@simplenexus.com.

About SimpleNexus, LLC:

Founded in 2011, SimpleNexus is an award-winning developer of mobile-first technology for the modern mortgage lender. Lenders depend on our namesake homeownership platform to unite the people, systems and stages of the mortgage process into a seamless, end-to-end solution that spans engagement, origination, closing and business intelligence. By helping lenders manage their teams and stay connected with borrowers and real estate partners, we deliver a measurable return on investment in the form of reduced turn times, increased loan application submissions and more referral business. A four-time Inc. 5000 company, SimpleNexus has been recognized as one of the world's Best Workplaces for Innovators.

For more information, visit https://www.simplenexus.com/ or follow @SimpleNexus.

RELATED LINKS:
https://ncrc.org/hispanic-mortgage-lending-2019-analysis/

Related link: https://simplenexus.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Sep, 29
2021
Free News Articles, Latino Interests, Religion and Churches

Join the Scientology Network in Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually September 15-October 15 to honor the history, culture and contribution of American citizens and residents whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. And what better way to do so than with a visit to the Scientology Network on DIRECTV Channel 320, streaming on Scientology.tv, mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

Join the Church of Scientology International in honoring America's Latinx and Hispanic culture, beginning with Destination Scientology.

Destination Scientology: Miami takes visitors on a tour through this tropical paradise, a kaleidoscope of Latin and Caribbean cultures that have come together to create a unique international metropolis. And just as Miami represents the gateway to opportunity to people from throughout the Latin world, the city's Scientology Church is a gateway to ability and personal and spiritual freedom. Enjoy a glimpse of the eclectic Latin culture where people of so many different backgrounds live together and thrive.

Destination Scientology: Tampa welcomes viewers to historic Ybor City, where Florida's Cuban culture was born. A city within the city of Tampa, Ybor is a historic district and right at its center is Ybor Square, home to the Church of Scientology Tampa. Built in 1885 as the largest cigar factory in the world, the building was completely restored by the Church of Scientology. "To a Cuban," says Marta, a Cuban-American Scientologist who emigrated to this country in her youth, "and I am a Cuban to my soul, what this place does is it rekindles my love for my place of birth."

Destination Scientology: Harlem. Not only is Harlem the capital of Black America, it is also a cultural nexus, with Spanish Harlem dancing to a distinctly Latin beat. "El Barrio," says Shashianna, who works at the Church, "that's my hometown." Here, you experience what Hispanic culture really is, she says, known for its "family type of vibe," where "you can go to every Latin country-Mexico, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic-You know it by the food and by the way people talk." The Church celebrates these cultures, hosting events and programs for this diverse and vibrant community.

Destination Scientology: Mexico City provides insight into the history and honors the cultural background of more than 63 percent of Hispanic and Latinx people in the U.S. And with Hispanics and Latinx representing more than 48 percent of those living of Greater Los Angeles, a visit to the Churches of Scientology of Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, Pasadena and Inglewood will really round out the picture.

The Scientology Network also features Hispanic and Latinx humanitarians in episodes of Voices for Humanity. In cities in America and from Colombia to Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Honduras and Guatemala, these men and women preserve and enhance all that is best in the Latin and indigenous cultures by eradicating drug abuse, illiteracy, criminality, corruption and vice through the use of Scientology-supported humanitarian programs.

Scientology Network debuted March 12, 2018. It has been viewed in 240 countries and territories worldwide in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology, the network takes viewers across six continents, spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists, showing the Church as a global organization, and presenting its social betterment programs that have touched the lives of millions. The network also showcases documentaries by independent filmmakers who represent a cross-section of cultures and faiths, but share a common purpose of uplifting communities.

For more information, visit the Scientology Newsroom - https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/

The Founder of the Scientology religion is L. Ron Hubbard and Mr. David Miscavige is the religion's ecclesiastical leader.

Related link: https://www.scientology.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Nov, 06
2020
Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles, General Editorial, Latino Interests

CortoCircuito Virtual Cinema Presents Short Films from Spain, Latin America, The Colombian Pacific and Latinos from the US Under the Theme of Empathy – In the Place of The Other

NEW YORK, N.Y. -- The 17th edition of CortoCircuito New York and the 6th edition of Cali open their virtual screening room CortoCircuito: Home Edition November 10-13, 2020, presenting award-winning short films from international festivals and continuing its mission of promoting emerging talent from the regions it represents.

This year's festival is presented by the programmer Diana Vargas, NYU's King Juan Carlos I of Spain Center and Havana Film Festival New York in NY; Agencia IPB, Quijote Comunicacion Estratégica, Fundacion MAVI, Museo La Tertulia, newspaper El País, and Marca Valle Invencible - Gobernacion del Valle in Cali; and Hispanet Biz Solutions in Texas. And the support of Puro Corazon por Cali, Alcaldía de Cali.

* Registration is free of charge through http://www.cortocircuito.us/

* Award-winning short films from festivals around the world

For the first time, CortoCircuito Latino ShortFest and CortoCircuito Cali will take place at the same time in digital form, streaming simultaneously in four US states (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Texas) and in the department Valle del Cauca in Colombia. In an environment of healthy social distancing, viewers will be able to access films unavailable on other platforms and conversations that seek to build bridges of understanding and inclusion by registering for free at http://cortocircuito.us/2020/

"During these years the two festivals have brought films of interest to the NY and Colombian publics in their fundamental mission of creating spaces that connect stories and their viewers through a dialogue that promotes coexistence, recognition of the other, and inclusion. In this version, termed CortoCircuito: Home Edition, the goal is to present moving stories of high quality emblematic of the motto Empathy: in the place of the other," said Diana Vargas, director and co-founder of CortoCircuito.

CortoCircuito wants to pay tribute to Cuban director Diana Montero, who recently passed away, with the special presentation of her award-winning documentary Abecé.

The festival opens on Tuesday, November 10th at 7 p.m. with the program And the Winner is..., a collection of short films from Latin America, Spain, and Latinos in the U.S., produced in the last two years and awarded at some of the most important film festivals in the world, such as Cannes, Berlin, Guadalajara, Cartagena, and San Sebastian. Among these are Carne (Brazil), La capa azul (Puerto Rico), Suc de Síndria (Spain), El tamano de las cosas (Colombia), Infinite While it Lasts (Brazil), Victoria (Honduras).

The panel The Joys and Difficulties of Making a Short Film will take place on Wednesday, November 11th, at 4 p.m., in which experts from different areas of film production discuss the secrets and tricks filmmakers face while making a short film. The panelists include Alex Lora (Spain), who has won at festivals like Guadalajara and Berlin, and a Goya and Guadí award, and Alberto Ferreras (Spain/Venezuela), who has won at festivals including OutFest, Seattle and is the creator of the series Habla on HBO.

On Wednesday, November 11th, 7 p.m. the festival continues with The Peculiar Side of Life, short films guided by ideas of migration and belonging, and the knowledge that each of us has a story worth seeing. Films shown will talk about recognition of the other, their values and their differences. In Colombia and Valle del Cauca, a new cultural and social phenomenon is being experienced- that of massive immigration. People are arriving from different social and geographical spaces who go on to occupy a place in Valle del Cauca society, altering the everyday relationships of its cities and inhabitants. These are some of the films shown: Insilios (Argentina), Ayataki (Peru), Estas allí? (Espana), La Cachera (Colombia), Ruido (Chile), Amnestia (Brazil)

Thursday, November 12th, 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the festival continues with We, the others... family, diversity, coexistence, a program for the whole family focused on finding concepts of empathy and inclusion through stories. Empathy comes from the Greek words that translate to "inside him" and "what he feels", although its real meaning is the primordial ability to put oneself in the place of the other. This program will be put on with the participation of entities such as Instituto Nacional Penitenciario y Carcelario (INPEC), the Prison Complex of Jamundí and the Agustín Nieto Caballero public school, among others. The program includes the films: All I need is a Ball (Espana), 11:40 (Argentina), Zapatos y la mágica aventura de su creacion (Colombia), Calvario (Espana), La Cachera (Colombia).

At 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 12th the short films in FeminiStories seek to address the different views of women from a perspective of gender as a cross-sectional element that pushes for both men and women to take action to achieve universal equality. The idea of this program is to open an inclusive dialogue regarding themes that are of interest to not only women - these films aren't simply made by women or about women, but rather deal with achieving inclusion from a feminine perspective. Some of the movies that will be seen are: La abuela del ano (Mexico), Baile (Brazil), La vendedora de Lirios (Argentina), Yun (Chile), Track (Spain). FeminiStories will be realized with the participation of the Political School for the Journey of Peace and Gender Equity, and concludes with Is there a female cinema? Stories of women or for women, a panel discussion at 8pm with renowned Argentine filmmaker and actress Ana Katz, Mexican author Carmen Boullosa, and Mexican director and winner of prizes at Havana and Guadalajara Olivia Luengas.

On Friday, November 13th at 6:30 p.m. (NY) and 7:30 p.m. (Cali) the festival closes with two programs: Latinos in the House and Pacífico en Movimiento, aimed at giving visibility to the works of local directors from New York and the Colombian Pacific (Valle del Cauca, Cauca, Narino, Choco); and, as is tradition, the programs close with a discussion with the filmmakers. These are the movies selected: Algo en que creer (U.S.), WTNY (Spain-U.S), Today You, Tomorrow Me (U.S.), Panadero (Dominican Republic-U.S.), Quedé a la orilla (PanAmerican), Ombligada (Tumaco), Poetisas del Perdon (Buenaventura), Miguel el pegajoso (Cali), Totalmente yo (Cali).

Where and how can I watch these programs?

The films will be available free of charge for viewers who register at www.cortocircuito.us, and who are located in the US states of NY, NJ, CT, and TX, and the Valle del Cauca department in Colombia. All foreign-language films will be subtitled in English and Spanish. Each function will have a viewing window of two hours and be restricted according to geographical location. In addition to the streaming of films, an event narrative will be woven through the festival's social media accounts (Facebook and Instagram) in the days leading up to and during with details of the programming, interviews, news, curious facts about the films and their directors, and forums that invite viewers to give their opinion.

Trailer (YouTube): https://youtu.be/Lg_XLUEx5tg

More information and Media Contact:

http://www.cortocircuito.us/ - @cortocircuitoFF @CortoCircuito

New York: Diana Vargas - Artistic Director (917) 658-7735 - cortocircuitoff@gmail.com

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-1104s2p-girl-with-ball-300dpi.jpg

*Photo caption: "All I need is a Ball" (Spain) - Paloma Pujol, the only free-style woman soccer player in Spain.

Related link: http://www.cortocircuito.us/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Oct, 07
2020
Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles, Latino Interests

The 9th Annual Dominican Film Festival in New York goes Virtual

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. -- The importance of maintaining healthy social distancing and stopping the spread of COVID-19, Dominican Film Festival in New York City (DFFNYC) will hold its ninth edition online, October 20-30, 2020. These challenging circumstances have not prevented the festival from continuing to be the largest and most impressive film festival outside the borders of the Dominican Republic.

DFFNYC official program will include a roster of 70 films and offering a program boasting a wide range of genres, from comedy to thriller and drama to romance, plus an homage to the classics and panel discussions with the top leaders of the film industry. All foreign language films are subtitled in English.

DFFNYC opens October 20 with the U.S. Premiere of "Cabarete," a heartfelt coming of age story directed by first-time director, Ivan Bordas and closes October 30 with the world premiere of social drama "Carta Blanca" by Pedro Urrutia.

"We're thrilled to support the 9th Annual Dominican Film Festival in New York, which is offering a virtual line-up of more than 70 films this year," said Commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment Anne del Castillo. "The Dominican community comprises the largest Latino group in NYC, and this annual film festival continues to be an important celebration of established and up-and-coming talent within this community."

Inspired by true events, "Cabarete" follows Somalia, a good-hearted teenage kite surfer from the Dominican Republic who convinces his idol to train him for an upcoming tournament in Cabarete. However, once in Cabarete, the town's hedonistic nightlife quickly catches Somalia's attention, and he finds himself having to choose between a life of pleasure and pursuing the athlete ambitions he once had. Director Ivan Bordas and some cast members will be present for a Q&A after the screening.

"DFFNYC is adapting to the 'new normal' by going digital while maintaining its essence, which is to bring the most emblematic stories that are made in and about the Dominican Republic and connecting the film experts and personalities from our island and its diaspora. Our message is clear: Stay safe, stay with us," says Armando Guareño, Executive Director and Founder of DFFNYC.

The festival closes on Friday, October 30, with the world premiere of "Carta Blanca" directed by Pedro Urrutia. The film features performances by Pepe Sierra and Héctor Aníbal, and famous international actors Damián Alcázar, known for his role in Netflix's "Narcos," and Julio Bracho, popular for his characters El Chivo and El Chema.

Running October 20-30, 2020, under the slogan "Stay Safe, Stay with Us!", #DFFNYCVirtual will screen virtually nationwide on October 20-30, 2020, including Canada and Puerto Rico. The festival will be streaming on http://www.pelilat.com/ (@streampelilat) a platform for Latin American cinema and available in different devices nationwide such as iPhone, AppleTV, Amazon, Firetv, Android, AndroidTV, Roku, and Chromecast.

As the premiere film festival in the North East of USA, #DFFNYCVIRTUAL line-up includes a tribute to much-acclaimed director Jose Pinky Pintor with five of his box office hits "Guilty," "Mañana no te olvides," "No hay mas remedio," "Santo Domingo," "Sol y Luna;" plus more than 35 World, U.S., and N.Y. premieres, as well as award-winning features, documentaries, animations and shorts from festivals around the world.

DFFNYC offers a rich and diverse program which includes the Official Competition, a powerful compilation of 12 narrative films dedicated to displaying the talents of the established directors alongside the new movement of groundbreaking filmmakers from the island. Special programs include "Point of Views", a look-back at the films and directors that connected the viewer with the idiosyncrasy of daily life and Dominican history both inside and outside its borders. Among them are "Maria Montes", "Flor de azucar", "Adrift," "Buscando al Zorro," "A orilla del Mar," "Loki 7," "Melocotones," "Musiquita por dentro." The program "Reel Family Out," presenting crowd pleasing films to enjoy with family are Los "Fabulosos Ma' Mejores," "Los Super," "Mision Estrella." Also included in the slate of screenings are programs dedicated to short films such as "Dominicans in the Diaspora," which exhibits talented Dominican filmmakers who choose to tell their stories away from home for various reasons, and "Short Films - Big Stories," a cinematic celebration and powerful demonstration of new and emerging filmmakers from the Dominican Republic and the diaspora competing for Best Short.

The centerpiece this year is "Malpaso," directed by Hector Valdez. This is the story of Braulio, a young peasant, who after the passing of his grandfather has to look after Candido, his twin brother, secluded because of his albinism and who dreams of the return of their father.

One of the most important goals of DFFNYC is to offer remarkable discussions and panels with filmmakers and talents, as well as a rare chance for one-on-one conversations with directors, actors, and producers. Most of these, free of cost.

This year's line-up of masterclasses and panels include:
* From Telenovelas to Films with Antony Alvarez
* Reel Dominican: The Dominican Actor Experience in Hollywood
* Master Class led by actor Juan Hernandez
* Film Festivals in Times of Pandemic
* Reel Women: Dominican Filmmakers in the Diaspora

TICKETS

INDIVIDUAL TICKETS: $15 (streaming available for day of the screening)

OPENING & CLOSING NIGHT: $25 (includes Q&A with directors and cast)

CENTERPIECE: $25

For further information, visit our site: http://www.dominicanfilmfestival.com/

Follow Us: @dffnycofficial

ABOUT US

The 9th annual Dominican Film Festival in New York Virtual (DFFNYC) runs October 20-30, 2020 under the slogan: "Stay Safe, Stay with Us!." The festival offers a platform for members of the Dominican film industry wherein both new and established filmmakers can promote their works to the public, establishing DFFNYC as a premier cultural event for the USA.

Organized by Cine Art Entertainment Productions. Its roster of presenting sponsors includes Hon. Council member Ydanis Rodriguez, The NYC Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment, Dominican Tourism Board- Ministry of Tourism, Dirección General de Cine (DGCINE) and Filmenla. The Official sponsors are Presbyterian Hospital, the Hispanic Federation, Pelilat and Festcinerd, Camino Films. DFFNYC 2020 media sponsors are: El Diario La Prensa, Manhattan Times, Zabala Al Dia, Neoyorkinos Media Group, Latinos Social Media.

CONTACT: Diana Vargas: 917-658-7735 / press@dianavargas.com

press.dffny@gmail.com

(DFFNYC) / #DFFNYC2020 #ELCINENOSUNE #DFFNYCVirtual

Buy Tickets here - https://pelilat.com/

MULTIMEDIA:

Video (YouTube): https://youtu.be/s2iC-HZd51Q

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-1007s2p-dffnyc-colours-300dpi.jpg

*Caption: Image from film "Colours."

Related link: http://www.dominicanfilmfestival.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Sep, 09
2020
Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles, Latino Interests, Product Launches, Television, Travel and Tourism

Groundbreaking New Public Television Series Features Afro-Latino Cultures Through the Lens of Travel

NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Haas Media LLC announces Afro-Latino Travels with Kim Haas, a new travel series on public television, premiering with a two-part special featuring Costa Rica this September on Public Television Stations nationwide, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The series honors and celebrates the historical and cultural contributions of Latin America's African descendants, hosted by tri-lingual, Black female traveler and executive producer, Kim Haas.

"We are introducing Public Television viewers to Afro-Latinos and their profound legacy in the Americas through history, culture, cuisine, art, dance, music, environmental conservation, literature, sports, and festivals," says Haas. "Afro-Latino Travels is about Black joy, pride and resilience despite centuries of oppression and under-representation. The series features Afro-Latinos that will inspire viewers with hope and optimism."

No other travel TV series showcases solely the Afro-Latino communities throughout Latin America and their rich and diverse legacy of creating vibrant cultures in the Americas. Their imprint greatly influences mainstream Latino culture from Andean Peru to tropical Cuba, Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.

"Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast was strongly influenced by the Jamaican inhabitants who arrived in the country over 400 years ago," says Costa Rica Tourism Minister Gustavo Segura. "Costa Rica is an extraordinary country. We recognize ourselves as a multi-ethnic and multicultural nation and the province of Limón is the most authentic reflection of that melting pot of cultures and ethnic groups. Here at the ICT, we are very proud of this and view Afro-Latino Travels as an opportunity to share our history with those who seek to learn about and visit our country."

Beginning in the 1500s and throughout The Middle Passage, millions of enslaved Africans were brought to Latin America through the 18th century. Researchers estimate at least 1 in 3 Latin Americans have African ancestry, and Africans and their descendants were involved in every aspect of Latin American society: colonialism, the fight for independence, the building of transportation and infrastructure (forts, railroads, etc.), and more.

"I've wanted to produce a series featuring the impact that the five centuries of African presence in Latin America has had for so long, and this two-part special is just the start of that journey," shares Haas. "This project has been in the works for years, but with the lack of diversity in travel media and the growth of the Black Lives Matter movement more recently, now is the time to celebrate this heritage even more!"

Highlights from the two-part Afro-Latino Travels Costa Rica episodes include interviews with:
* Mr. Quince Duncan, celebrated Afro-Costa Rican author with 50 years of writing, credited with introducing Afro-Costa Rican in Costa Rican literature.
* Tarik Soto, gymnast and 2020 Olympic hopeful.
* Doris & Sasha Campbell, dancer and singer, respectively (sisters of Latin America's first black vice president, Ms. Epsy Campbell)

The Afro-Latino Travels with Kim Haas two-part special featuring Costa Rica will be available on Public Television Stations across the United States beginning Saturday, Sept. 12 through October. Check local listings for time and channel.

Underwriting for the television program has been provided in part by the Ford Foundation, and in-kind support provided by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute. Afro-Latino Travels with Kim Haas is presented by Northern California Public Media (KRCB) and distributed by NETA.

Further information available at: https://www.TravelsWithKimHaas.com/.

ABOUT KIM HAAS

Kim Haas, Executive Producer, Host & Creator of Afro-Latino Travels with Kim Haas, has been active in Afro-Latino issues for more than a decade and is founder of LosAfroLatinos.com, a blog celebrating Afro-Latino culture. Kim speaks fluent Spanish, Italian and Portuguese. Kim is passionate about her work with "Afro-Latino Travels," and is extremely proud to be one of the few upcoming Black female travel hosts on public television, leading the path for more to follow!

VIDEO (Vimeo): https://vimeo.com/449315778

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0909s2p-kim-haas-300dpi.jpg
*Caption: Kim Haas in Costa Rica.

Related link: https://www.TravelsWithKimHaas.com

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

May, 25
2020
Free News Articles, General Editorial, Latino Interests

A tribute to an American Hero – Juan ‘Skip’ Torres

FAIRFAX, Va. -- Dr. Juan Manuel Torres of Pine Island, Fla. - a decorated Korean and Vietnam veteran - passed away last week at the age of 86-years-old after a courageous battle with cancer and pneumonia, the Family of Juan Manuel Torres announced. With his passing, America lost a true patriot and American hero who was one of the last surviving members of Task Force Smith from the Battle of Osan - America's first entry into the Korean conflict.

Dr. Torres, who was born in Arecibo, P.R. and raised in the Bronx, N.Y., joined the U.S. Army in 1949 at the young age of fifteen by "revising" his birth certificate. He was immediately deployed to Korea where he was assigned to the 21st Regiment of the 24th Infantry Division and placed directly into combat against aggressing North Korean and Chinese troops. Outnumbered five to one, his unit suffered heavy casualties. In another battle in Korea, he was captured and beaten, but later escaped while being marched to a prisoner detention facility. After Dr. Torres' squad leader was killed, he was given a field promotion to Corporal. While in a foxhole during one battle in Korea, his buddies affectionately called him "Skip," which is a name he kept for the rest of his life.

Skip was discharged and returned from Korea to New York after the Army discovered he was only 16-years-old. He was later allowed to enlist in the U.S. Air Force as an Air Policeman (now called USAF Security Forces) where he spent the next 20-plus years, including a one-year tour in Vietnam during the height of the conflict. While in Vietnam, he was promoted to Technical Sergeant (TSgt) where he led the USAF Security Forces at Bien Hoa Air Base and protected U.S. jet fighters and bombers during the "Tet Offensive" when 100,000 Viet Cong attacked U.S. personnel and facilities, including the air base at Bien Hoa. TSgt Torres was injured during the battle while extracting U.S. troops from a burning Armored Personnel Carrier (APC), but declined any awards saying: "It was just my duty." Skip received the Purple Heart medal for injuries he sustained from gunshot and shrapnel wounds while in combat against the North Koreans and Chinese. He was also awarded numerous additional U.S. Army and Air Force distinctions, such as the Combat Infantryman's Badge (CIB) and the U.S. Air Force Commendation Medal.

After retiring from the U.S. armed forces, Skip was recruited by the U.S. Marshals Service as a Deputy U.S. Marshal and was later promoted to Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal where he led key task forces against drug cartels and mafias in the southeast and northeast regions of the United States. He was once again injured during a standoff between U.S. Marshals and armed mafia assailants.

After retiring from the U.S. Marshals Service, Skip earned a PhD in theology and became an ordained minister where he faithfully served his community for the remainder of his life. He personally delivered meals to feed the homeless on a weekly basis throughout central and south Florida and donated most of his U.S. military and government retirement pay to charitable organizations worldwide.

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

May, 08
2020
Business, Free News Articles, Latino Interests, NonProfit and Charities

Bitcoin Scam is Targeting Hispanic Communities in Maryland

BALTIMORE, Md. -- AARP Maryland is warning of a new scheme targeting Maryland's Hispanic/Latino communities. A fraudulent Bitcoin website is targeting and enticing new investors with the false hope of financial gain, combined with threats to report those with undocumented status.

"This week, the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline received four reports that a fraudulent Bitcoin scheme is targeting a list of Spanish speaking people, many of whom are connected to each other through a religious or social group," said AARP State President Hank Greenberg. "Once contacted, the victims were misled to believe that their money would be invested in Bitcoin and that they would be able to conveniently track their growing returns on the web every day."

Greenberg continued that the scammers convinced the victims that Bitcoin itself was a regulated currency so that they would be more confident in their investment. "The opportunity to track continuing and increasing investment returns enticed some to invest even more of their hard-earned dollars."

Subsequently, the victims told the Fraud Watch Network, the scammers threatened to report their targets to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding their undocumented status, if they attempted to back out of the investment. Although the victims in the four reported cases are documented, they raised concern about how many people have continued to invest out of fear of deportation.

AARP Maryland and the AARP Fraud Watch Network warn that there might be hundreds of people entrapped by this scam and the number may be growing in a Ponzi-type arrangement that incentivizes people to recruit additional investors.

"Every year, thousands of Americans are affected by fraud and scams," said Greenberg. "But help is available. Sign up for biweekly Watchdog Alerts at http://www.fraudwatchnetwork.org to have news on the latest scams delivered right to your inbox. And, please report any scams you come across to the AARP Fraud Watch Network toll-free at 877-908-3360. Translators are available to assist."

Learn more about AARP Maryland at: https://states.aarp.org/maryland/aarp-maryland-contact-information

MEDIA CONTACT
Nancy Carr
443-787-5382
ncarr@aarp.org

Related link: https://states.aarp.org/maryland/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Feb, 27
2020
Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles, General Editorial, Latino Interests, Product Launches

Mateo Blanco: American dreamer turned successful American tenor

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Mateo Blanco, an accomplished musician and celebrated visual artist, is re-releasing his debut album "Mateo Blanco 724," in honor of its 10th anniversary.

Blanco made history upon the release of this album by becoming the first American tenor to record a multi-genre record. Blanco chose to highlight his Colombian heritage by recording the album in Spanish. The multi-genre style ranges from salsa to vallenato, reflecting the worldly travels he experienced throughout his upbringing. A true artist, Blanco finds inspiration in everything around him, including the name for his album. "Mateo Blanco 724" was inspired by the time he finished recording the last song.

"The purpose behind my album is to inspire people to follow their dreams, believe in love and to spread positivity," said Blanco. "Music is a vehicle for emotions, so it was important for me to have fellow dreamers collaborate on the record. I personally interviewed every musician who worked on my album to ensure they not only have a happy personality, but true goodness in their soul."

A classically trained opera singer, Blanco studied commercial music at Florida Atlantic University. He has performed operas such as in La Traviata, Rigoletto, Il Trovatore and Don Giovanni. A man of extraordinary talent, Blanco has also made presentations accompanied by Aretha Franklin and his interpretation before the president of the United States, George H.W. Bush.

In recent years, Blanco has channeled his creative energy into his visual art. Known around the world for his use of unconventional mediums and edible materials, his whimsy is present in everything he makes. Noteworthy projects include portraits of Jennifer Lawrence in peanuts, Dolly Parton recreated in pieces of cloth and string, and Elsa from Disney's "Frozen" in sugar crystals. His work can be found in Ripley's Believe It or Not! museums, as well as in museums and private collections around the world.

Mateo Blanco's re-released "Mateo Blanco 724" can be found on iTunes, Spotify, Tidal, Google Play and Amazon Music. To view his art and other projects, visit Instagram @MateoBlancoArt

Find the album on iTunes at: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/mateo-blanco/322495837

About Mateo Blanco

Mateo Blanco stands out for using unusual materials to create works of art, which have captured the attention of Ripley's Believe It or Not! His art is sold at ArtSpace Virginia Miller Galleries in Coral Gables, Rosenbaum Contemporary in Boca Raton, Jane's Art Center in New Smyrna Beach and some pieces have been displayed at Disney Springs and Aloft Hotel in downtown Orlando. Blanco was born in Miami in September 1981. Blanco is also a talented opera singer. He sang a birthday celebration for President George H.W. Bush.

For more information or inquiries, visit his Instagram @mateoblancoart - https://www.instagram.com/mateoblancoart/

Follow on Twitter: @MateoBlancoArt

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0227s2p-mateo-blanco-300dpi.jpg
*Caption: Mateo Blanco. Photo by Maddy Ouellette.

MEDIA CONTACT:
William Wellons
Wellons Communications
will@wellonscommunications.com
Office: 407-339-0879

Related link: https://www.instagram.com/mateoblancoart/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Feb, 13
2020
Business, Free News Articles, Latino Interests, Product Launches

Autos Latinos launches first-of-its-kind interactive car shopping website targeted specifically toward Latino and Hispanic consumers

MURRIETA, Calif. -- Autos Latinos has officially launched their service and new website, AutosLatinos.com - a car shopping website that caters specifically to Latino and Hispanic car buyers in Southern California.

The market of Latino/Hispanic car buyers in California has undergone exponential growth over the past decade and consumers within these demographics now comprise a very lucrative market for the auto industry to target. 79% of these Latino/Hispanic car buyers are more likely to trust auto advertisements that are in Spanish and reflect Hispanic culture in some way.

There remains a deficit in online car-buying tools that are targeted toward Latino/Hispanic consumers and offer information and services in Spanish. Autos Latinos strives to fill that gap in the auto market and make the car-buying process more accessible and comfortable for Latino/Hispanic consumers with AutosLatinos.com-which is published entirely in Spanish.

Autos Latinos encourages consumers to think of their now-live car shopping website as "a search engine for car shopping," AutosLatinos.com guides consumers through comprehensive online inventories of new and used cars that are available in their area and has partnered with several car dealerships throughout Southern California in order to be able to provide the most accurate and up-to-date listings on their website.

AutosLatinos.com makes the car-buying process even easier for Latino/Hispanic consumers with their messaging tool that allows consumers to ask questions, have them answered in real time, and even reserve a test drive of a specific car at a local dealership-all in Spanish.

Autos Latinos also designs AutosLatinos.com Partner Facebook pages for businesses in the auto industry to help these businesses engage Latino and Hispanic consumers, generate more leads from these consumers, earn their trust, and build lasting professional relationships with them.

Autos Latinos is proud to be serving the Latino and Hispanic communities throughout Southern California. AutosLatinos.com is now live, and Autos Latinos will continue to expand with a mobile app that is slated to become available for download in the Apple and Google app stores within the next couple of weeks.

Learn more: https://autoslatinos.com/

Related link: https://autoslatinos.com/

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